We each own our own happiness.My contentment is no one else’s responsibility.My joy is mine to protect and nourish.If we are incapable of reaching inward and embracing that which makes us happy, then perhaps we don’t deserve it. But if we find our joy, we should be diligent to pursue it, cultivate it and share it.
~ Lashawnda Jones
I didn’t know I was in a prison until I was told I could go no further than where I am. It was in that moment that I determined to free myself. I am becoming much greater than I am today. I need the belief to grow.
Women need to learn to accept the incredible blessing that God created us to be. When God created Eve, He termed her a comparable mate, a helper to man. When God took Jesus, He gave us the Holy Spirit as a Helper and Comforter. The lie is: people think a helper is weak. The truth is: without help, what can anyone accomplish?There is indeed great power in who we are as women. We indeed need to let go of the lies. We also need to embrace the truth.
When you are brave enough to see me and accept me at my most basic, uninspired, unremarkable self – indeed, embrace my ordinariness - then, and only then, will you develop eyes to see the extraordinary splendor of my heart.
What you envision for yourself is far more likely to become a lifelong passion than anything someone can drop into your lap. This is a reminder that pursuing my vision for my life is not a waste of time. Detours happen. They become experience. With experience, accomplishment is only a matter of time.
There is always a reason. Not being willing to say what your reasons are is not the same as not knowing them. Truth is always present. Truth is always available. You simply need the courage to face yourself, explore your motives and confront your insecurities. Until then, you will only enjoy a false security in the thought that your darkness is a mystery to others. Your darkness is mystery to no one. We all have darkness, but not all of us have light.
Solitude is good for a time, but not for all time. Don’t forget to come back and embrace a community. Build one, if you must. Don’t neglect the sharing of yourself. Even those parts that are not so clean have value. In fact, the best lessons you have to offer in life come from your struggles in the darkness and grit of life.
Don’t limit yourself by what you’ve achieved. All your past achievements are only stepping stones for the greatness to come.
The process of time brings our transformation to fruition. Free yourself to live through the processes God puts you through because at the appointed time He will cause you to bear much fruit - all for purpose of glorifying Him in the world.
I’ve been thinking a lot about legacies lately. Life seems to be a waste without someone to share it with and even more so when there’s no one to benefit from your efforts when you’re gone. Sort of makes you want to throw your hands up in the air and stop working. Luckily, that feeling forces you to focus more on today… even if only to avoid being depressed while thinking about an empty, distant tomorrow. What can I do today to enrich others? What can I share with the people I encounter today?
